polyols
Multi-hydroxyl organic compounds
Polyols are sugar alcohols—carbohydrates that occur naturally in some fruits and are manufactured as low-calorie sweeteners.
Common polyols include sorbitol, xylitol, and erythritol.
They taste sweet but are poorly absorbed, which means fewer calories but potential digestive upset in large amounts: Sugar-free gum is sweetened with polyols.
The term also covers industrial chemicals with multiple hydroxyl groups, used in making polyurethane foams and resins.
Polyol sweetener and humectant
- mannitolSix-carbon sugar alcohol
- xylitolLow-calorie sugar replacement
- erythritolLow-calorie natural sweetener
- maltitolHydrogenated disaccharide sweetener
isomalt · lactitol · glycerol · hydrogenation · hydroxyl · reduction · aldehyde · ketone
Lacking added sweeteners
- low-calorieMinimal food energy content
- sweetnessSugary taste quality
- mouthfeelOral texture perception
- confectionerySugary foods or their shop
candy · chocolate · ice-cream · diabetic-friendly · low-glycemic · synergy · masking · aftertaste
Absorbs moisture from surroundings
- hydrationBodily fluid replenishment
- cosmeticsSkin-applied beauty substances
- lotionLiquid skin moisturizer
- creamRich milk fat
toothpaste · tobacco · softening · shelf-life · plasticizer · flexibility · conditioning
Relating to digestive tract
- bloatingSwollen, expanded state
- osmoticConcerning membrane diffusion
- fermentationMicrobial sugar conversion
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
adaptation · overconsumption · flatulence · diarrhea · malabsorption · FODMAP · threshold · digestibility
Measures of food energy
- carbohydrateSugar or starch compound
- metabolismCellular nutrient conversion
- keto-friendlySuitable for ketosis dieters
- low-carbMinimal starch intake
Oral cleaning gel
- mouthwashLiquid for gargling clean
- remineralizationRestoring mineral content
- acid-resistantUnharmed by caustic liquids
sorbitol
Polyol sweetener and humectant
- mannitolSix-carbon sugar alcohol
- xylitolLow-calorie sugar replacement
- erythritolLow-calorie natural sweetener
maltitol · isomalt · lactitol · glycerol · hydrogenation · hydroxyl · reduction · aldehyde · ketone · cyclization
sugar-free
Lacking added sweeteners
- low-calorieMinimal food energy content
- sweetnessSugary taste quality
- mouthfeelOral texture perception
confectionery · candy · chocolate · ice-cream · diabetic-friendly · low-glycemic · synergy · masking · aftertaste · intensity
hygroscopic
Absorbs moisture from surroundings
- hydrationBodily fluid replenishment
- cosmeticsSkin-applied beauty substances
- lotionLiquid skin moisturizer
cream · toothpaste · tobacco · softening · shelf-life · plasticizer · flexibility · conditioning
gastrointestinal
Relating to digestive tract
- bloatingSwollen, expanded state
- osmoticConcerning membrane diffusion
- fermentationMicrobial sugar conversion
tolerance · adaptation · overconsumption · flatulence · diarrhea · malabsorption · FODMAP · threshold · digestibility · colonic
calories
Measures of food energy
- carbohydrateSugar or starch compound
- metabolismCellular nutrient conversion
- keto-friendlySuitable for ketosis dieters
toothpaste
Oral cleaning gel
- mouthwashLiquid for gargling clean
- remineralizationRestoring mineral content
- acid-resistantUnharmed by caustic liquids
emulsifier
Combines immiscible liquids
polyolssimple sugars
Single-unit carbohydrate molecules
sucrose · table sugar · monosaccharides · glucose · fructose